SWNOVELXO Chapter 118. Mammal (2)
28th, Afternoon.
【Gampo Port】
Tap-tap.
The blond man who got off the taxi leisurely surveyed his surroundings.
Sea bass. King crab. Flatfish.
With food shops lined up nearby, there was no need to go far.
‘Feeling hungry, should I eat something first?’
Kim Gi-ryeo headed towards a nearby sashimi restaurant.
But wait a minute.
Why would a hunter living in Seoul suddenly appear in such a remote area?
“Can I get an Abalone Soup here?”
There’s a compelling reason for his presence.
Kim Gi-ryeo had already made his relationship with Jeong Ha-seong shaky after his previous remarks about ‘level differences.’
On top of that, he planned to ignore all upcoming Dungeon Breaks.
‘It’s not just one careless word I need to worry about. Anyway, it’s only a matter of time before Jeong Ha-seong blows up……!’
The current number one in the rankings places great importance on their responsibilities as a hunter.
However, he had no power that matched his status, let alone any intention to protect the citizens, so friction was bound to occur sooner or later.
Thus, Gi-ryeo had no choice but to head to Gampo.
Plenty of prey.
In essence, due to the characteristics of Ki-simche, which sets many traps in areas with high population density, the capital often gets into trouble.
‘Especially the frequency of high-risk gate appearances is overwhelming. It’s no wonder that about 32% of A-Class gates are clustered in Seoul.’
The chances of an S-Class worthy Dungeon Break happening in the capital were quite high.
Therefore, Gi-ryeo came to this village to have an excuse ready for not being able to help when things went south.
A truly unseemly reason to travel, to say the least.
“Here’s your Abalone Soup. Enjoy!”
“Thank you.”
But…….
Though he came here like a rat fleeing, this wasn’t too shabby of a life.
Food and accommodation could be bought with money.
Above all, there was the sea nearby.
‘The sea!’
Since he had come all this way, Kim Gi-ryeo planned to explore Earth’s oceans.
‘Exciting!’
However, going straight to the sea immediately upon arrival felt a bit lacking.
According to his prior internet research, this fishing village had plenty of tourist attractions.
‘Should I check out the land first?’
With a cheerful expression, Gi-ryeo finished his meal.
Now it was time to enjoy the cultural experiences he had always dreamed of.
Oh right.
Speaking of which, he forgot to inform Kang Chang-ho about his regional move…….
‘I’m sure it’ll be fine?’
That stalker would surely figure out his location anyway.
Well… even if he didn’t……
Reflecting on their last phone call, it seemed a bit awkward to call first……
‘Come to think of it, it’s been silent from Kang Chang-ho since then.’
Kim Gi-ryeo tried to ignore the rising unease within him.
Right.
This was the fourth S-Class; surely nothing could’ve happened?
If Kang Chang-ho didn’t want to get hurt, he wouldn’t recklessly rush in. No, he should be behaving that way…….
*
A little while later.
I toured the tourist attractions of Gampo that I had found online.
First up was this place, the Sea Flower Path.
‘I don’t know what’s so great about wandering through an alley, but at least I got to learn about Earth’s culture!’
Next, I went to check out the lighthouse that some blogger praised enthusiastically.
It was a structure not found back in my hometown, so it offered a uniqueness that was enjoyable to observe.
‘By the way, how do Earthling boats float? Do they not use magic?’
And the third attraction I arrived at was this massive cocoon smeared in red!
Oh~ It writhes outside, making it look almost alive.
How on Earth was such an impressive landmark created…….
“…….”
But did I ever see this kind of content in the tourist attraction results I searched?
‘No way that’s right.’
Upon checking again, I realized that what I was currently seeing was not a Gampo landmark but merely a disaster site.
After all, in a place where people live, it was impossible to avoid Dungeon Breaks completely.
‘What the heck is this?’
The strange structure I encountered on my way to the beach was so loosely woven that its insides were clearly visible.
I didn’t feel eager to approach.
The surface, rather than thread, seemed like it was something like…….
Thinly spread animal flesh.
‘No, it’s not just my imagination; this is truly living tissue!’
Thump. Thump.
I frowned while looking at the throbbing giant cocoon.
‘Hmm?’
At that moment.
Rustle, rustle.
Voices were coming from not too far away.
I stepped closer and saw two men engaged in conversation…….
“Is it true that only that Hunter survived?”
Huff, huff “Yes. Just me. Barely……”
“Oh no, this is really a big trouble.”
Seeing the familiar name tag, the tall one must be an Association Employee.
I subtly eavesdropped on their conversation and gathered some information.
‘Aha.’
It seemed this red cocoon was a result of a C-Class gate breaking open.
“What went wrong? They said this was a D-Class gate. But why does the analyzer show it as C-Class? Huh?”
“That, that’s because we’re still assessing the situation……”
“What about our Team Leader! Oh no, I had to rescue that person no matter what……!”
Moreover, there appeared to be the corpse of a D-Class Awakened caught up in an unfortunate incident inside.
‘A corpse?’
But at that moment, a thought flashed through my mind.
‘A freshly dead D-Class corpse, huh?’
Intrigued.
Come to think of it, I intended to switch to a better body if I got a chance.
This plan obviously required a new flesh.
However, a D-Class Awakened wouldn’t make for a bad tool for magic experiments.
“H-Hunter, it’s dangerous here, so let’s head to the Association.”
“But, can we even leave like this? If someone happens to walk by without knowing…….”
“Don’t worry; we’ve called for others; the area will be sealed off quickly.”
As I watched them leave, I made up my mind.
‘Should I just check the condition of the dead Hunter they mentioned?’
In a land where the culture of cremation is widespread, chances to encounter an intact corpse weren’t common.
‘It’d be smart to secure a body to switch into ahead of time.’
I smiled while gazing at the writhing entrance of the nest.
Attempting to steal a body.
Perhaps this would be a shocking crime in the eyes of Earthlings…….
But what conscience should be expected from an Alphauri?
It’s not like an empty shell without a soul meant anything to me, so I’d rather let a Great Mage use it than let it rot away.
*
Finally entering inside the cocoon.
I hummed while looking around the crimson scenery.
Of course, as I had overheard before, monsters were lurking inside the nest.
With a scraggly body and thin arms.
That creature, walking on two legs like a pigeon, seemed to be the C-Class monster that made those flesh cocoons.
“Kiik!”
Honestly, there was no reason to fear them.
I already had means to block C-Class attacks.
Clang!
As expected, the thin arm of the monster couldn’t penetrate the item enhanced by Gu Seo-hyeong and bounced off.
“This is the difference of connections!”
Hahaha.
With safety somewhat assured, I could proceed quickly.
No matter how much the monsters squeaked beside me, I walked over the puddles of blood without a care.
After a long walk, I finally discovered the dead Hunter from earlier.
In the middle of the street lay a woman with sky-blue hair, collapsed.
“Hmm, a female. Didn’t expect that.”
Still, it seemed like she could be repurposed, so I decided to retrieve the body quickly.
But then.
It turned out there was another one here who coveted a Hunter’s body.
“Grrrrr……”
Thick blue fur and fly-like legs.
At first glance, it appeared no different from the monsters I had faced before, but this one oddly wielded a weapon.
It was the only intelligent creature in this nest – the genuine leader.
“Gahhhhh!”
The monster, upon spotting me, opened its beak and howled, but I ignored it and focused on retrieving the corpse.
“Ooh! What a windfall! Up close, it’s hardly damaged.”
Yess!
I lifted the unidentified D-Class Hunter’s body and prepared to rise.
“Ah!”
And at that moment.
Whoosh!
The leader suddenly hurled the spear it was holding toward me.
Of course, the boss’s spear was blocked by the protective barrier created by the enhanced ring.
Right. I expected nothing less from this.
The issue began here.
Crack!
With an ominous sound.
I felt the protective barrier wrapping around me vanish instantly.
“Huh?”
Finally, it was revealed.
The enhancement from Gu Seo-hyeong was not permanent.
This primitive magic of Earth had a ridiculously low maintenance time and damage tolerance limits.
“…Did the enchantment wear off?”
That last attack confirmed it; the magic surrounding my ring dissipated in an instance.
Which meant now I was.
“Of all times!”
Unarmed, standing before a C-Class boss.
The contemplation didn’t take long.
As soon as I noticed the enchantment faded, I abandoned the corpse and dashed forward.
“This is my fate!”
But surely, the monster’s reaction speed wasn’t slow either.
As it found its attack blocked, it summoned a new weapon from thin air and prepared for its second spear throw.
“Gah!”
Whoosh, thud!
Breaking bones. Ripping flesh.
I was ultimately impaled by the boss’s spear.
The blood sprayed from my wounds pooled into the puddle within this cocoon.
.
.
.
However…….
The seemingly dire situation was unexpectedly resolved easily.
[Surprise Box!]
[Grade: Unique]
[Description: Gives a strong [Stun] effect in the surrounding area.]
The reason was that I had purchased a new magic tool during my last market visit.
“Damn! I almost bit the dust there!”
I had initially intended to buy an item to enhance the one allowing Gu Seo-hyeong to enhance my statues, but…….
As I browsed the shops, this item caught my eye.
[Surprise Box!]
A magic tool that could stun even B-Class monsters with a 95% success rate.
According to the store staff, it indiscriminately stuns anyone, including the owner, implying it’s trickier to use than I thought?
‘That’s an issue only for lower-tier sorcerers.’
But here, my unique feature shone again.
I wasn’t affected at all by low-level stunning magic, allowing me to use [Surprise Box!] much more conveniently.
For example, like this, stunning my opponent while standing confidently.
“Ugh……”
Anyhow, it turned out not to be wise to underestimate C-Class foes……!
I prepared thoroughly for a proper aftermath to avoid repeating the same mistake.
Fearing that the stunning effect might wear off during a possible escape, I swiftly ended the unconscious boss’s life by burning its heart.
Swish!
Without the Pyromancer Necklace, even such a simple attack would be impossible. Indeed, no matter how many times I ponder it, Kim Gi-ryeo is a recycled, unusable Awakened.
But it’s alright.
Living this way will only last a few more days.
‘Everything’s done, now let’s get out!’
After the boss was killed.
I headed out, dragging the fallen Hunter’s body with me.
Moreover, unlike when I entered, I carefully avoided the monsters this time.
Yes. If I could just get out safely like this, I would finally have a D-Class body in my hands……!
Click!
But at that moment.
As I stepped outside the cocoon, a familiar noise suddenly reached me.
Click. Click.
‘Camera sound?’
Furthermore, at the end of the creaking sounds, there was now a crowd that I’d never seen before.
“Gah!”
“Oh my.”
“What’s that…….”
Rustle, rustle.
Association employees.
A woman with a camera.
An old man.
And several other Non-Awakened people.
I had no idea what they were doing over there, but one thing was clear.
‘Hmm, what’s the penalty for theft here again?’
I had just been caught red-handed in the act of theft.